Avoiding misconceptions about Medicare to sidestep financial struggles

Medicare open enrollment deadline approaching fast – things you should know!

According to the outcome of a study performed by Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement, a startling number of retired individuals in the middle-income bracket who are on Medicare either do not understand or they misunderstand the costs and coverage provided by the program, which can lead to unexpected expenses. The research, whose findings were included in the report entitled “Retirement Healthcare for Middle-Income Americans”, examined data regarding 400 pre-Medicare individuals in the baby boomer generation (aged 47 to 64), as well as 400 adults in…

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John Hancock announces re-entry into individual long-term care insurance in California

John Hancock has announced that it will be resuming its place as a part of the California individual long-term care insurance marketplace, starting on February 27, 2012, through both its Custom Care III (non-Partnership) and its new California Partnership policy. These two policies will provide comprehensive long-term care coverage for all circumstances, such as assisted living facilities, nursing homes, adult day-care centers, and at home, and will also provide the policyholder with care planning and care giving support. The president of John Hancock long-term care insurance, Marianne Harrison, expressed the…

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Choosing the right long-term care policy to cover your needs

The percentage of people who have purchased life insurance has currently reached a figure that is lower than it has been in half a century, as many people debate whether or not the coverage is worth their money when they are already tightening their belts in an economy that continues to struggle in its recovery. Life insurance differs from standard medical insurance in that it provides coverage for individuals who require assistance with their daily living activities. For example, in the case of a broken shoulder or hip, dementia, or…

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New long term care benefit available to Prudential customers

Prudential Insurance has announced that its long term care coverage products will now include a benefit that offers a program providing personalized, high quality guidance to help them to achieve independent living through a single integrated source. This benefit is known as the Univita Living program, which was created by Univita Health, and is built on a foundation of significant knowledge and research from professionals with significant experience in health and long term care. What the program provides is the ability for families and individuals to locate, coordinate, and manage…

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At what age should consumers purchase long-term care insurance?

Among individuals younger than the age of 50, it is quite common to believe that long-term care insurance is something that they won’t really need until later on in their lives. According to CFP Rich Arzaga, CEO and founder of San Ramon, California-based Cornerstone Wealth Management, the majority of consumers won’t start to inquire about long-term care insurance until about the age of 45. In fact, “it won’t be on their radar”. He said that once they reach the age of 55 or 60, they will begin to talk about…

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Most Asset Based Long-Term Care Purchases Are Over Age 65 – Two Thirds Of New Single-Pay Life+LTC Policy Sales Are Over $100,000

The sale of asset-based long-term care insurance protection grew significantly according to research by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (www.aaltci.org) the national trade organization. According to data gathered from the industry’s leading insurers, premium in 2010 increased 79 percent compared to the prior year. The number of covered lives increased 83 percent. “Asset based or linked products are experiencing growth as they are highly suitable for a very specific consumer,” states Jesse Slome, AALTCI’s executive director. “Financial planners and investment professionals who may not like the more complex…

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Unique options for the U.S. long term care situation

With medical care costs still skyrocketing, many older adults are concerned about whether they need to have long-term care insurance (LTCI). This insurance was created to cover “long-term” type care that would not be covered by Medicare or other regular health insurance policies. There are affordable LTCI plans, and there are other options you should know about as well.  In the state of the economy, people are wondering if they really need to continue to pay for insurance that may, or may not be needed as they get older. Long-term…

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